Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Study calls for focusing on Arab electronic, information technology industry | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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CAIRO, June 1 (KUNA) — A specialised study issued by the Council of Arab Economic Unity, called for focusing on the electronic, information technology and communications industry in the Arab world, in addition to encouraging investments in this promising field.

The study showed that Israeli exports from the electronics and Information technology industry reached 6.6 billion dollars in 1996, in addition to owning 130 companies in this field. Such companies attract foreign investments of one billion dollars per year. it said.

It added, the volume of electronic trade is around four billion US dollars in the Arab world, in comparison to 136 billion dollars around the rest of the world.

The study unveiled that there are many theft attempts and information leakage in electronic trade. This is done via two methods, either by monitoring messages or stealing infromation from personal accounts of internet users.

It also called for seeking technological development to coincide and benefit from the world”s development in this field stressing on the importance of electronic trade to increase Arab cooperation and Inter-Arab trade.

The Council of Arab Economic Unity seeks to accelerate development in this field, through cooperation in electronic work and expanding interests, including the training of Arab manpower.